BIOL 108 - Information Flow in Biological Systems

Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)

What is information, and what is its role in biological systems? The focus of this course is on the flow of information through different levels of biological systems, from within cells to the biosphere. At a cellular level, we examine the flow of information within cells (e.g., gene expression) and between cells (e.g., hormones). We then shift to the population and community levels to explore how information is transferred between organisms (e.g., communication, trophic interactions). At an evolutionary level, we discuss the flow of information between (e.g., reproduction) and across generations (e.g., evolutionary mechanisms), as well as the implications for information flow in the biosphere under global change.

BIOL 108 has a 3-hour lab per week. The overarching theme of the laboratory experience is the consequence of global change on energy flow (e.g., photosynthesis) and information flow (e.g., gene expression). In lab, students acquire basic laboratory skills (e.g., microscopy, molecular techniques) by working with a plant species (duckweed) and also with a marine anemone. Students design an experiment, collect and analyze data with basic statistics, connect findings to the primary literature, and present findings in a professional written format. The Department.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 107

Three 50-minute periods and one 3-hour lab.

Course Format: CLS